Pigtails

I have only put Shelby's hair in pigtails once or twice. Her hair has only recently been long enough to get all the hair back, using two barrettes and two ponytail holders. Channing did her hair tonight before Bible class. She was so excited about her pigtails, that she's hardly sit still for me to take her picture.

Taco Salad

The other night we had taco salad for supper. Shelby made a huge mess! She hates getting dirty, so it is always very funny when I fix something that is even the slightest bit messy. I'm sure you can imagine what Shelby thinks of sloppy joes! (Click on the picture to get a good look!)

Justin

Justin is still in Fort Carson. He will have a check-up on Friday. Hopefully he will have a good report, and will be sent home over the weekend. We are all looking forward to seeing him again before too long.

Last week we went to the Little Rock Zoo. Maggie Hendrix, Rachel Miller, and their children joined us. We had a good time. Thanks to Downtown for organizing the trip.

Here we are with Maggie, her two girls, Rachel, and her two kiddos.

Of course Shelby loved the gorillas! She even got to see a baby gorilla. This big guy was just lounging in the hot sun, sticking his tongue way out.

Lily and Shelby in their matching outfits. The tops say "Best Bunnies" on them. Super cute!

Swimming

Shelby went swimming twice last week. We first went to the Stewarts' house to check out Madeline's new pool. Shelby didn't venture out too far away from the side, and slipped several times. Hopefully she'll get more practice and become as brave as her little friend! Later in the week, Shelby and I went swimming with Lauren. Shelby did not like her water wings! I guess they better for someone a little older, even though they were for ages 2 and up. Thankfully, Lauren and Silas have a children's life jacket for their boat. Shelby enjoyed wearing the "coat" and hanging out on Lauren's raft.

We look forward to more fun times in the pool this summer. Thanks to my friend Torrey for the adorable two-piece for Shelby. Gotta love hand-me-downs!

Pray today...

...for Justin.

He'll be having surgery sometime today on his knee. They've been draining fluid and hope to solve that problem, as well as get some more shrapnel out.

No word for sure on when he'll be home.

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for Justin and our family.

How great is our God!

I just have to testify to God's goodness and faithfulness!

Jan Jones, wife of Craig Jones (Harding Academy of Searcy's chorus director), was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April. She recently had a test run, to determine the level of the cancer right now. I don't know what the exact name of the test is. Anyway, a normal reading for this test would be in the single digits up to the 20s. In April, when she was diagnosed, Jan's level was 6000. The test results Jan and Craig received on Wednesday was 23. WOW!! The doctor is baffled and has sent the test back for another reading.

You are all already aware of Justin's accident in Iraq last week. We have been told that if the bomb was even the slightest bit more powerful, Justin and the other soldiers with him would have been killed. The injuries Justin received will require quite a bit of time to heal. Rehab will more than likely be necessary. BUT...Justin is alive and in the United States right now!

These are just two things that show how great Jehovah God is! God heard the prayers of his children and moved.

God is able to more than we could ever ask or imagine!

Per Nunda's Request

It's time for a smile!

Rock 'n Roll! Gene Simmons!!

(I am not a fan of KISS or Gene Simmons; however, this is super cute!)

Update

I realize that it's been a couple of days since my last report on Justin. There really wasn't any new information over the weekend. Justin is in the States now. He should arrive in Colorado later today. I will get updates out when I have them.

Thank God for Justin's safe arrival to the States. Please pray for him as his wounds heal.

Friday's Report

Justin called Nunda this morning. She said he sounded more like himself and much less groggy. He said he is doing fine, but will always have shrapnel in his body, which should be fun going through airport security!

One of the executives at Nunda's work is originally from Germany. As it turns out, she has a cousin in Germany that works for the hospital Justin's at, so she sent her cousin to check on Justin. He was quite surprised when a German woman came into his room and said she was checking on him for his mother!

Justin should be flying to the states around Sunday. He doesn’t really know where he'll go from there. We are just waiting to see. They had him up walking with crutches and a cane. Progress! He is still in a lot of pain, but heading in the right direction.

Nunda wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. God is the reason Justin and his friends are alive. It is truly a miracle they survived.

Thursday's Report

Justin is in Germany right now. He will be having surgery again to get more of the shrapnel out. Between now and Sunday, he'll be sent to Fort Carson. At some point he will be discharged and can come home for rehab. His parents will have to go get him because he won't be able to fly commercial at that point. That is all coming from Justin, and we have to keep in mind that he was on pain killers at the time. Nunda has not talked to an officer today, just Justin.

Thank you for your prayers.

Update on Justin

Below is an email I received from my sister this afternoon. This contains correct information. The first report we received yesterday was actually about another soldier who had been injured.The future is uncertain for Justin, as far as his service to our country goes. Please pray that whatever is best will happen. We appreciate all the prayers that are being offered for Justin and our family. Please pray also for the other soldiers that were injured as well as their families.

I spoke with Justin this morning from the hospital in Iraq. He is doing well, considering. The actual facts are that a home-made grenade was thrown into the turret of the Humvee that Justin and four others were in. Justin was in the Humvee this time, not in the turret, his usual position. They heard the gunner yell, and then the grenade fell inside the Humvee on the floor between Justin and another guy. It exploded, sending shrapnel and pellets all over the interior. Justin and two others got the worst of it. If it had been just a little bit more powerful, it would have killed them all. Justin had surgery to remove shrapnel from his right arm and both legs, and repair the damage. His right knee is pretty messed up. He can't walk right now, but can feel and move his toes. They are sending him to Germany today, and then probably on to the States for rehabilitation. He's in pain, but they are giving him morphine. He was telling the nurse to wait giving him a shot because he wanted to talk to his mother. (Sniff!) He's a good boy. He says he will be fine. Most importantly, he is alive. I am very grateful!

Pray for Justin

Justin was injured over the weekend when an IED (Improvised Explosive Device, a.k.a booby trap) exploded. Right now, he is in a hospital in Iraq, but will be sent to Germany for better medical services. The Army has listed Justin in serious condition; however, his injuries are not life-threatening. He has a lot of shrapnel in his body, from the waist down. The main concern right now is Justin's foot. (I think just one, not both.) An officer at Fort Carson (Colorado) told my sister that it doesn't seem to need amputation. When Justin gets to Germany, they will be able to know more. If necessary, Justin will be sent back to the States for rehabilitation. Please join us in praying for a full recovery.

My sister talked to Justin this morning. He is doing okay. He's certainly in pain and was very groggy.

I have already received several encouraging e-mails and phone calls. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated so much!

Pictures with Aunt Kim and Memaw

Zoo Day with Memaw and Kim

Kim, Memaw, Shelby, and Channing outside the Memphis Zoo.

Shelby got her first sno-cone, thanks to Aunt Kim!

Shelby and Memaw liked the monkeys a lot!

Memorial Day Weekend with Family

We had a wonderful weekend. Channing's mom and sister, Kim, came from Texas to visit. We ate a lot of good food, and all the adults pitched in on the cooking. Friday night, Memaw and Shelby played with the dolls and watched a video while Channing, Kim, and I played Phase 10. Saturday we spent the day at the Memphis Zoo. What a fun day that was! After church on Sunday, we all took naps and then played at the park. Shelby loves going down the slide at Berryhill! That afternoon we also went over to Harding and showed Kim and Lillie all the changes that have been made over the years. What a great weekend! We were so glad they came to see us.

Justin

Justin got a promotion a week or so ago. He is now a specialist! Woo-hoo!!

He has been put in charge of the weapons. That means that he checks everything out, cleans weapons, and I guess makes sure the weapons have not been damaged.

A few weeks ago, he and some other guys were coming back from patrols, when they decided to jump a ditch in the Humvee. According to my sister, that's just like an elephant trying to jump a ditch...not an easy task! Needless to say, the Humvee didn't make the jump! Justin, still on the top in his position as a gunner, was thrown into his gun and cut his face right above his eye. He had to get 18 stitches. His mother and I have told him not to do that anymore!

I may have already posted about this, but... The tour of duty has been extended for the Army personnel. Each soldier will be deployed for 15 months, rather than 12 months. This announcement was, of course, quite a blow to many men and women, as well as to the families.

Thank you for your prayers.

10th Anniversary Service

This morning we went to Covenant Fellowship Church for the 10th anniversary service. Channing and I were part of the body there during college and our first two years of marriage. It was good to see old friends, some we hadn't seen since we started going to Downtown over a year ago. Other former members like Elijah and Andrea Manor, JP and Heidi Wornock, and Rhonda Bell were also there. What a blessing it was to reconnect and worship the Father together!

Shelby normally goes to Bible class and the nursery at Downtown, so this morning was a little different for her. She really enjoyed the singing and got to say "Amen!" after every prayer!

All Better!

Shelby has been fever-free for two days now. Wednesday morning, around 4:30 a.m., her temperature was around 101. Once she was up for the day, around 7:45, the fever had dropped. Of course, she is still taking the anti-biotic for strep. We are so glad our little one is better!

Fever

Shelby has been running fever for the past couple of days. Yesterday the fever got up to 103; today it got up to 104! Before it got so high today, I took her to see her pediatrician. Shelby started crying as soon as Dr. Moore came into the room! She calmed down while he and I talked, and held herself together pretty well as he was checking her out. Her throat is really red, but Dr. Moore didn't do a strep test. He prescribed an anti-biotic, though, assuming that it is strep.

Please pray for Shelby. She has been a little trooper even though we know she feels terrible. Pray that she can rest well and get better. Please pray also that Mommy and Daddy stay well.

Great News From the Doctor!

Channing went back to the surgeon this morning. He was given the go-ahead to pick up Shelby. This is one very happy Mommy typing these words! Don't get me wrong, I adore Shelby and love holding her. However, I do just have two arms and sometimes that makes doing it all a little difficult! I welcome the breaks that are coming my way! Anyway, back to the report. Channing can pick Shelby up, as long as he doesn't bend over. He and Shelby have had some good Daddy-daughter time this evening.

Channing will still need to take it easy for another month or so. He doesn't need to go back to Dr. Saer unless there are any more problems. He also got the okay to go back to the gym, as long as he doesn't do heavy lifting.

We appreciate all the prayers that have been lifted up to the Father these past few months. Thank you so much!

Shelby's New Favorite Song

Friday night, Tami taught Shelby a new song. I had forgotten all about it.

Read your Bible; pray everyday
Pray everyday; pray everyday
Read your Bible; pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow

And you'll grow, grow, grow (Repeat)

Read your Bible; pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow!

Harding University's Class of 2027

HU Graduation Post #2

The three of us got ready and made it to campus as graduation was ending. We decided not to attend, knowing Shelby would not make it. We made it to the Ganus Athletic Center in time for "Climb Every Mountain" and the closing remarks by Dr. Burks. Below are some of the pictures we took after the ceremony.

Here's Shelby with Amber's brother, Nick. She loved his sunglasses!

Kevin and Amber will be getting married in September. Shelby is going to be their flower girl!

Congratulations, Amber! We love you and are so proud of you. May God bless you as you start the next chapter of your life! We look forward to seeing you in September. :)

HU Graduation Post #1

Amber, one of my cousins attending HU, graduated yesterday. Her family, fiance, and grandfather came in town for the big event. Friday night we all went to the dessert reception for the graduates and their families.

Kevin (Amber's fiance), Uncle Travis, Amber, Nina, Tami (my first cousin), Mitch, and Sid

Amber and Nina
(Shelby's favorite babysitters)

A Huge Blessing

Channing has always mowed our lawn, but since his surgery, I've had to do it. On Friday,
however, Amber's brother Mitch and my uncle Travis took care of the front lawn for us. We really appreciated it!

Shelby and Morgan

Friday night, we went to my sister's house for supper. My nephew, Morgan, is a wonderful cousin for Shelby! She always loves being around him.

I just couldn't get Shelby to look at the camera!

Morgan was showing Shelby the National Geographic magazine. He loved getting her to make the sounds of the animals in the pictures!

Nona's Hat

My mom has a hat she wears when she works in the yard. Shelby got to wear it while she was helping Nona and Papa on Friday. She loved the hat so much, and didn't want to take it off when it was time for her nap!

When Nona asked for her hat back, Shelby took off!

Gardening

Here are some pictures I took on Friday while we were in Memphis.

Shelby helped Nona dig the holes for new plants.

Shelby and Papa putting away the empty pots.

Memphis In May

Friday night and all day Saturday, Channing was on a retreat. So Shelby and I headed to Memphis. We left on Thursday because I wanted to have a couple of days there and be back by the time Channing got home Saturday. The two of us had a great time with my parents and my sister's family. It seems like every time we go, there is always something to do. While it is nice to keep busy, sometimes that means missing out on spending time with friends and other members of the family. If you're reading this and I didn't call or get to see you, I'm sorry! Hopefully that will happen during the next visit...or two...or three!

Seven Facts

Jennifer tagged me, so I have to post seven random facts or weird habits about myself. I have already posted six things on an earlier post. Check those out here. Now for #7. I am addicted to the television show Alias. Channing and I started watching the series all over again a couple months ago and are now on the third season. We were watching season three when it was actually on television, but weren't able to finish the season and never really got into it again after Shelby was born. We are really enjoying it!!

I am not going to tag seven other people. However, if you would like to make your list in the comments, I'd love to read your random facts/weird habits.

Blanchard Springs

On Saturday we went to Blanchard Springs with John, Maggie, Lily, and Hallie. First we stopped for lunch. John grilled burgers while the girls played. Then we headed to the caverns. Shelby was so tired because she didn't get to take a very good nap on the way. She was very whiny and wasn't happy in the stroller at all! I got quite the workout since I had to carry her during the whole tour. On the way home, we stopped in Mountain View for supper. It was a great day. We are blessed to live in a state with so many beautiful sites to see!

Little Princesses

Shelby and Adia enjoyed playing on our pillows!

Channing with Shelby and Adia

Shelby and Adia at Spring Park

A Visit with Dear Friends

We had a wonderful visit with Mike and Angelina, along with their children, last week! When they moved away, Carter was just a few weeks old. Both our families have grown quite a bit since then! Angelina is expecting baby #3 in about five months.

It was fun to catch up with them. We were up talking pretty late the nights they stayed with us! And we also got in a game of Skip-bo, for old time's sake.

We were so sorry to see them go on Friday, but are so thankful for the time we had together. What a blessing it is to have friends like this!

Bandanna

Shelby has found a good use for a couple bandannas we have laying around. She normally uses them for baby blankets, but Daddy showed her a new use for bandannas while he was home recuperating from surgery. She actually kept it on her head for a while. He also made her a skirt by tying two bandannas around her waist. No pictures from that one though!

A Visit From Nona and Papa

These pictures were taken while my parents were here when Channing had his surgery. We appreciated their help. Shelby really enjoyed it too!

A Visit to Baptist

While we were in Little Rock this afternoon, the three of us made a stop at Baptist Hospital. This was the second time we've been back to the NICU since we brought Shelby home. We got to see Molly, our favorite nurse, as well as another nurse that I recognized but can't remember her name. Molly was Shelby's nurse almost every day during the two weeks she was there. We are really thankful for the staff there and all they did to help Shelby.

Check-up

We went back to LR today for a follow-up visit with the surgeon. Everything is looking good. He got to drive home from LR. I sure enjoyed the nap on the way home! Tomorrow, Channing will return to work, seeing three or four clients. We are looking forward to making some money again! While he is definitely doing well, Channing still needs to take it easy. The doctor said he didn't need to lift "anything heavier than a gallon of milk." That means Daddy still can't pick up Shelby, for about four or five more weeks. Thanks for your continued prayers as Channing heals. He'll return for another check-up in about three weeks.

Super Sammie

Sammie is amazing. She was out in the backyard while we were at church this morning. When we got home, we heard her yelping, but weren't able to go see her because we were just home to change clothes for our Sunday School picnic. I heard a whine and some scratching on the front door. When I opened the door, Sammie was waiting there on the porch for me. Somehow, our incredible dog managed to climb the gate, at least we think so. This isn't a chain-link fence, guys. It's a regular-height privacy fence. We are amazed!

More Updates

Channing is doing much better. He has been without fever for a couple days. The tenderness is subsiding. Of course, there is still some discomfort and pain. But, things are looking up. He has gone on a few walks with Sammie since his surgery. It is so exciting that he is no longer in pain in his back, legs, and feet. Thank God for a successful surgery! We return to Little Rock for a follow-up visit with the surgeon on Tuesday. Hopefully we will get an idea of when he will be able to return to work.

Mom and Dad went home on Monday. We really appreciated their coming. Mom made some yummy meals and her fabulous peach cobbler while they were here. Amber (my cousin) came over this afternoon to keep Shelby occupied while I got some stuff done around the house. Silas and Lauren Orbison brought us dinner tonight and ate with us. Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement so many of you have given us.

I have not heard from my sister yet as to whether or not she's heard from Justin. I know that things are really bad over there and pray for him several times each day. When I pray for Justin, not only do I pray for his safety, but also for his mental state as he has to witness so many horrible things each day. I know that so many people are praying for Justin, as well as the other soldiers. Those prayers are deeply appreciated.

Our dear friends, Mike and Angelina, will be coming for a visit this weekend. They quickly became good friends of ours while we were dating. Mike and Angelina lived next door to Channing. We were so sad to see them leave a couple months after our wedding. It will be so good so see them again, as well as their children!

I have mentioned that we did not have a fence when we adopted Sammie. Well, thankfully, our fence should be completed on Saturday. I am looking forward to that! Not that I am not enjoying having Sammie around, but a fenced-in backyard will come in handy these next two or three weeks!

Hallelujah!

Here's one of the pictures Maggie took earlier this month. We were singing, and Shelby started lifting her hands. Maggie printed "Hallelujah!" on the picture, because it seems that's what Shelby is doing. Anytime we say the word, Shelby lifts one or both of her hands. We are so proud of our little praise baby!

Pray

Justin is on a very dangerous mission today. Please pray for his safety. Things are really bad over there right now. His unit has lost seven in the two weeks he's been back to Iraq.

It appears that Channing has developed an infection. He's running a fever and is very uncomfortable. Please pray that he heals soon.

A family member of a dear friend of mine from Memphis was attacked in her New York apartment on Friday. Please pray for her physical and emotional healing. Pray also that the man will be caught.

We appreciate your prayers.

Update

Channing's surgery went well yesterday. It lasted about an hour and a half. After the surgery, which started almost an hour later than scheduled, there was some recovery time. We left the hospital around 4 p.m. He is sore where the incision is. The anesthesia has left him with some terrible hiccups that are driving us both crazy. Other than that, he's doing good. I'll update more in a few days. So far, so good.

Thanks for the prayers and for the phone calls we've received. We appreciate all of you.

The Song Remembers When

Julie Kiser made a post this week about how a smell can take you back to all kinds of things. For me, it's the smell of leaves and/or trash burning. I am instantly taken back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. While those smells might not be the most pleasant one for some, it really makes me happy.

Her post got me thinking of how songs can take you back too. I know a couple country songs that are about that. (The Song Remembers When by Trisha Yearwood and State of Mind by Clint Black). So here's my idea:

What song takes you back? What does it take you back to?

Here are a couple of mine...

• Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey - Wendy and I listened to this a lot our senior year of high school. If I ever hear this song, I think of the night of Senior Banquet. We were in her dad's Dodge Ram, running late and very low on fuel. She wouldn't stop for gas because we were late and I was freaking out (surprise, surprise) about the possibility of getting stuck on the side of the road in downtown Memphis.
• You are My All in All - Stacy and I sang this together a lot. She'd laugh at me because I always ended up switching parts and it'd throw her off. I actually think about my old youth group when I hear/sing a lot of songs like that.
  

Another Prayer Request for Channing

Okay guys, we need your prayers right now. After the two steroid shots did not provide relief for the back/leg pain like we hoped, Channing decided not to have the third shot. So he was sent to a surgeon last week. There was an opening for surgery this Friday, and we're taking it.

The surgery is minor and will be out-patient. They'll make a small incision and will cut off the portion of the disc that's protruding. It should take 1 to 1.5 hours and then another 2 hours or so until we can go home.

He will be out of commission for at least 10 days. No driving. No bending over. No picking things up (this includes Shelby). Nothing.

Please pray for the surgery to go well; for our nerves so that they won't be shot and we won't worry. Please pray also that the recovery will be a smooth one, with as little time off work as possible.

Thank you, Sarah and Amber, for making yourselves available to keep Shelby for us on Friday. Sarah, thanks for keeping Shelby when we went to LR for the steroid injections. Channing and I are also very thankful for my parents, who are coming on Friday to stay however long we need. We don't know what we'd do without each of you!

We appreciate your prayers.

Spring Sing Correction

For all you former Chi-O's out there...my cousin (a member of ZP) gave me the Spring Sing results Saturday night. She was mistaken. Chi Omega Pi, Delta Gamma Rho, and Friends placed 2nd. Zeta Rho, TNT, and Friends placed 3rd. I hope you are smiling as big as I am right now.

Hunting Easter Eggs with Daddy

Shelby had to get a little direction from Daddy for a few of the eggs.

Shelby was so proud of herself for finding this one without any help!

One of the last eggs was found hiding in the monkey grass.

Easter Basket

Shelby was excited to see her Easter basket in the living room this morning!

The basket held a Bible story book, crayons, a My Little Pony, a bath toy, and some Hershey's kisses. Shelby was so excited about each item, that it was hard to get her still long enough to take some pictures!

Spring Sing Weekend

We made a stop at Harding while we were on our way home this morning. Since it's Spring Sing weekend, we hoped to see some friends either in the Student Center or just around campus. Channing ran into one of his old teens from the Southeast Church youth group in Houston. This young man is now married and a fellow alumnus of Harding. (That made Channing feel quite old, needless to say!) We saw a few familiar faces from a distance, but didn't get a chance to talk to them. While we were eating lunch, we did get to visit with some of Channing's friends who were there.

Campus is extra beautiful right now, with all the flowers blooming. Those of you who went there and haven't been back in the last couple of years might want to come for Homecoming or Spring Sing next year. Things have changed quite a bit!

By the way, the theme of Spring Sing this year was "Camaraderie." We didn't go, but have heard the results. The Kojie & Ju Go Ju show took first. It was a little ironic that their show was set in a candy shop, and that their charity was Juvenile Diabetes. Zeta Rho and TNT came in second. Chi Omega Pi and Delta Gamma Rho came in third.

Easter Egg Hunt at Downtown

This morning we went to the church building for an Easter egg hunt. Thanks to a great suggestion from Nona, Shelby got to practice a little last night before going to bed. Today she did great and was very excited each time she picked up another egg! It was cold and a little windy, but we had a really good time. Thanks to Tim and Brittany Jones for getting everything together.

Making Faces With Daddy

Here's what I found Channing and Shelby doing the other night before supper:

Shelby loves pizza. Yesterday evening, we were leaving Wal-mart around 6:00 and I really wasn't looking forward to fixing supper when we got home. Channing asked if I wanted to get a pizza and Shelby heard him. She squealed, "Pizza!" and the decision was made.

(Here she is eating the pepperoni the had fallen off a Tombstone pizza we ate the other day.)

More of Shelby and Sammie

Several people have asked how Shelby and Sammie are getting along. Here are a couple pictures to answer that question!

Congratulations!

I just wanted to congratulate some of my friends on their new little ones. Frank and Becky McCown are the proud parents of a son, Ethan, who was born Saturday morning. Ben and Christie Johnson are the proud parents of a daughter, Julie, who was born Saturday afternoon.

May God bless these new families. Being a parent is an amazing gift!

Mom and Dad, You've Got to Come Get Me!

These were words that my parents weren't happy to hear. It was my freshman year at Harding. I called home with the news that I, along with a few other friends, had been caught at the apartment of a male friend. I told them I was in Dr. Burks' office, and that I was being kicked out. Mom and Dad had to come get me immediately. I remember their response like it was yesterday. Dad was calm and said, "Okay," as though he was in shock. Mom just kept saying, "Oh, Deidre!" over and over. I quickly informed them that it was April Fools Day, and that I was just kidding. They told me that it was a mean joke, but also admitted that I got them really good. They even told their friends about it. We still laugh about it now.

Have you ever played a good April Fools joke on someone?